You may already know that chronic consumption of soda can damage your teeth due to its high acidity and sugar content. But how does drinking sparkling water compare? Read on to discover why too much soda can hurt your teeth and whether sparkling water is bad for your teeth too.
Why Soda Can Damage Teeth
If you’re constantly sipping on a soda, its sticky sugar lingers on your teeth throughout the day and is eaten by your oral bacteria. During this feast, they produce acidic byproducts that weaken your enamel and cause tooth decay. Pits and holes in your teeth, called cavities, indicate permanent enamel damage that require restorative dental treatment. Keep in mind that even though diet soda doesn’t contain sugar, its acidity can still erode and weaken your enamel.
Is Sparkling Water Bad for Teeth?
The carbonation of sparkling water has some patients concerned that it might damage their teeth. But according to the American Dental Association, sparkling water is considered only “minimally erosive”, unlike soda, which is considered “extremely erosive”. In fact, researchers found that teeth placed in both regular lab water and plain sparkling water experienced similar levels of enamel erosion.
How to Safely Enjoy Sparkling Water
If you like the fizz, drinking plain sparkling water is a great way to stay hydrated. However, limit your consumption of sparkling water with added sugar and/or citrus flavorings. And if you do drink sugar-sweetened or citrus-flavored sparkling water, drink it at a meal or in one sitting to decrease your risk of enamel damage. Additionally, remember to drink plenty of fluoridated tap water. Its fluoride works to remineralize and fortify your enamel against tooth decay and cavities.
More Questions? We Have Answers!
If you have any other questions about sparkling water, soda, or how you can best protect your teeth from cavities, contact our friendly team at Helotes Family Dentistry today.
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